NOVEL IRIDIUM CATALYST COMPLEXES AND C-H BOND ACTIVATED PRODUCTS THEREFROM

摘要

Provided is a novel iridium catalyst complex which is useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes. The iridium complex comprises the metal iridium atom complexed with a benzimidazolyl-containing ligand. The iridium atom can be coordinated with the nitrogen atoms in the benzimidazolyl-containing ligand to form an NCN pincer ligand complex. In another embodiment, the iridium catalyst is used, with or without a co-catalyst, in a dehydrogenation reaction converting alkanes to olefins. The reaction can be in a closed or open system, and can be run in a liquid or gaseous phase.